Nicholas Woodsworth's trilogy charts the historic and cultural ties connecting the Mediterranean's great cities: Alexandria, Venice and Istanbul. The result is something to be cherished, says Rory MacLean

In his lifetime Roger Deakin claimed to have a passion for woodland that other people have for puppies or chocolates. His tree-inspired travelogue is a magical and meditative final work, says Rory MacLean.

Nicolas Bouvier was Switzerland's answer to Jack Kerouac. Rory MacLean heralds the translation of his cult travelogue - 40 years after publication - as the most important event in travel literature this year.